Hobby Master HG7008 | JS-2 Russian Heavy Tank, 88th Independent Guards Heavy Tank Brigade, Red Army, 1945

General Background:

The JS tanks were named after Joseph Stalin. The JS-2 had a 122mm D-25T main gun and 6
road wheels to improve soft ground track performance. In 1944 new specifications included new armor tempering, a 60-degree glacis replaced the 30-degree and the driver’s front hatch was removed. Also a relocated wider porthole, improved mantlet, increased lower hull side armor and a new periscope sight. The commander’s cupola moved to the left and a 12.7mm anti-aircraft machine gun attached. In 1944 2,250 JS-2’s were produced and no further improvements were made until 1954.

The Tank:

In late April 1945 Soviet forces began their assault on Berlin capturing the city on May 2, 1945. As part of the operations JS-2 Heavy tanks were called in whenever Soviet forces needed a German tank or building destroyed. The use of HE (High Explosive) incendiary ammunition made the JS-2 very deadly. Regular Guard units had 3 regiments of 65 JS-2s per regiment but the Independent Guard units had far fewer. The 88th Independent Guards Heavy Tank Brigade was part of the 1st Belorussian Front.

Specifications IS-2

Crew:   4

Dimensions
Length (with gun):  10.74m  (35.24 ft)
Height:    2.93m    (9.61 ft)
Weight:   46,250 kg    (101963.8 lb)

Performance
Engine:   V-2 IS 12cyl. Diesel-engine/520hp
Speed:    37km/h  (22.99 mph)
Range:    150km   (93.2 mi)


Armor:   20mm - 160mm  (.79 in - 6.3 in)

Armament:    1 X 122mm (4.8 in)  M1943 D-25T L/43 gun
1 x 12.7mm (.5 in) M1938 DShK
1 x 7.62mm  (.3 in)  DT/DTM

Ammunition:  28 x 122mm shells
2331 x DT rounds
300 x DShK rounds